Category Archives: Central Community News

Are only high budgets sacred? Are only high attendance congregations holy? What are sacred stories in our Presbytery? Sacred Stories is an endeavor to share with each other what is sacred: the surprising moments and delightful outcomes where God is active in our congregations—regardless of their size! There are simply too many stories of exciting … Continue reading Sacred Stories→

WELCOME OUR NEW CHURCH Welcome! First Hispanic Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville With Presbytery approval, the day of fruition finally came! Started as a small Hispanic mission ministry in 1999, our newest church in the Central Community of the Presbytery was joyfully chartered on November 12, 2017, at Galatia Presbyterian Church. We celebrate with thanksgiving and … Continue reading Our Newest Church→

The Blessing of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in our Presbytery… Because of your generosity to PDA and the One Great Hour of Sharing, both the Long Term Recovery Committee of Fayetteville and of Lumberton have each been able to employ Executive Directors to manage and guide this unprecedented long term recovery process in these communities. $120,000 … Continue reading Hurricane Matthew Update & Invitation→

NEW JERSEY CHURCH MISSION CREW COMES TO LUMBERTON On January 8-13, 2017, a mission work crew of seven members from Manasquan Presbyterian Church, Manasquan, New Jersey, came to show support to the citizens of Lumberton who are affected by flood damage from Hurricane Matthew. Ages of the work crew ranged from 60 to 80 years. … Continue reading NJ Mission Crew Helps In Lumberton→

2016-2017 Community Officer Training Events Officer training is for new and returning ruling elders and deacons. Interested church members may also attend if preregistered. Your pre-registration is needed as we plan for handouts and food. Register here online and bringing a check, payable to the Presbytery, for your registration. Online registration: To Register please click … Continue reading Officer Training 2017→

Information about how can you or your congregation assist in disaster recovery, rebuilding and response following Hurricane Matthew…. DO NOT DONATE CLOTHING (Thank you for thinking of people but clothing is not needed at this time.) Printable flyer for use in Congregations and Session Meetings (this flyer was distributed at the Presbytery meeting) FEMA Information … Continue reading Disaster Response Information→

The Board of Pensions in conjunction with the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina is pleased to announce the annual Retiree luncheons in the Presbytery. All retirees under the Board of Pensions and their spouse/caregiver are invited to attend one of these luncheons for fellowship and to hear an update on the Pension plan. Tuesday, June 9 … Continue reading Retiree Luncheons→

Presbytery Plans for Holy Conversations Around Difficult Topics – the Amendments Pastors, churches, and our Presbytery all face important decisions about how to vote on the General Assembly’s actions regarding same-gender marriage. Before we debate and vote on the proposed amendments, our Presbytery wants to encourage a time of discernment through “holy conversations” – conversations … Continue reading Holy Conversations on the Amendments→

2014 Community Officer Training Events This training is for new and returning elders and deacons. Interested church members may also attend if preregistered. Your registration is needed as we plan for handouts and food. Register here online or by mailing a form and $12 check to the Presbytery Office, 807 W King Street, Elizabethtown, NC … Continue reading Officer Training 2014→

The overcast, cloudy, and scattered rainy conditions could not dampen the spirits within Bethany Presbyterian Church at the annual Committee for African American Ministry (CAAM) on Saturday, August 9th. With the theme of “Transforming the Church: From the Inside Out”, the day was filled with inspiring messages from a variety of speakers, dancers, and singers. There were so many people who contributed to the success of this gathering that I could not possibly name them all, but a special “Thank You” is extended to Bethany and Mount Pelier Presbyterian Churches for co-hosting this wonderful event.

(Please See the Photo Gallery at the bottom of this article)

Warm Welcome at the Annual Gathering of African American Churches

Elder Bob James, Chair of CAAM, was certainly correct in his opening remarks when he noted that, “…this is indeed a spirit-filled event”, and indeed it was. After Rev. Clarence Page, pastor of Bethany and Panthersford Presbyterian Churches, gave a heartfelt welcome, the entire congregation of 200 joined in worship with the singing of “Victory Is Mine”.

Following the joyful singing, Rev. Earnest Parish, Jr., pastor of Dothan and Wilson Chapel Presbyterian Churches and Secretary of CAAM, shared the reading of Romans 12:1-12 and Rev. Johnie Bennett, moderator of Silver Hill Presbyterian Church, lead the morning prayer.

All of our hearts were warmed by the powerful, spirit-filled, liturgical dance of the Mount Pelier Praise Dancers. These gifted young ladies are truly using their talents to praise God. See their Liturgical Dance on YouTube

Keynote by Rev. Dr. J Herbert Nelson

Elder Naomi Newton of Silver Hill Presbyterian Church had the honor of introducing our guest speaker, Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness (OPW) in Washington, DC. Dr. Nelson travels extensively nationally and internationally on behalf of the PC (U.S.A.) “speaking truth to power with love”, but on Saturday, August 9th, he reaffirmed that, “Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina”, and we were truly blessed to have him with us.

Dr. Nelson reminded us using Paul’s words to the Romans, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing our your minds…” (Rom. 12:2) He asserted that we must be “…grounded in education…”. He spoke of the many issues of the day, including immigration control, gun control, voter apathy, and many more. Drawing our attention to Romans 12:11, “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.”, Dr. Nelson implored us to, “Get engaged and declare that faith has something to say!” It is safe to say that every heart was touched by Dr. Nelson’s passionate message and strong words of encouragement. See his remarks here

Workshops and Celebrations

Children gather for fun and Bible lesson time

After the opening plenary, we all separated into our workshops based on our age; Pre-K-Grade 3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, young adults, and adults.

Youth preparing to enjoy their class

Following our workshops we all joined together for a wonderful meal. The adults enjoyed a cool, fresh chicken salad on a bed of crisp lettuce accompanied by garden fresh tomatoes and fruit. The youth enjoyed their favorite pizza as laughter and conversations filled the room.

With appetites satisfied we reconvened to celebrate the gifts of our youth as they presented the fruits of their workshops including skits, songs, and words of youthful wisdom.

Skits are performed by the Children

Our churches are so blessed to have so many inspiring young people wanting to participate and be a part of the ministry of Jesus Christ. Rochelle Snowden, a young adult from College Heights Presbyterian Church shared her enthusiasm and excitement as she proclaimed that she rearranges her schedule each year just to be able to attend this annual African American Church gathering.

This spirit-filled day concluded with the gift of music from the sons of CAAM Vice-Chair, Joyce Peay. Majid, Taimine, Katif, and Solomon shared their talents as they sang two selections that had all of us clapping and singing along.

Presbytery Moderator Marye Jeffries and Rev. Dr. J Herbert Nelson

Dr. Nelson sent us on our way with a charge to “Go and make disciples…”. He said, “Don’t text, don’t tweet, YOU GO! GO!” With these strong words he sent us out into the world to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Video of J Herbert Nelson’s Keynote

If you wish to hear Rev. Dr. J Herbert Nelson’s Keynote address if can be found on YouTube Here

Pictures from the African American Church Gathering 2014 at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Lumberton, NC

Greetings from the Central Community! I will use this space to keep you informed of upcoming events and news that pertain to the churches in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, Cumberland, and Sampson counties. I would like to invite all Pastors, Educators, CRE’s (active and retired) to join us at one of the local luncheons held monthly. … Continue reading Central Community News→